Defence barrister Mark Johnson said Greaves grew up in the Toowoomba area and began studying for his priesthood in 1959.

He had served in a number of parishes in and around Brisbane and also Cunnamulla and Bundaberg, he said.

Mr Johnson said Greaves had lived a law-abiding life despite these offences and had not committed any other offences against children since the offences 24 years ago.

He said Greaves, who has since retired from his church duties, had written letters of apology to his victims, saying he was "truly sorry and hoped they would overcome difficulties his acts towards them had caused."

"He truly acknowledges the distress caused to his family and members of his church," Mr Johnson said.

"He deeply regrets what happened."

Judge Trafford-Walker ordered his jail sentence would be suspended after he served nine months behind bars.